About this project

$6,648

pledged of $6,000 goal

35

backers

Isha: A Tell-All Tale...and why we think this story must be told...

Isha: A Tell All Tale is the story of a young immigrant South Asian woman’s dramatic journey through the treacherous shoals of the New York art world. Isha moves from India to New York to pursue her dreams of becoming the next ”big thing” in the glamorous but unforgiving New York City art scene. However the journey is, as we must expect, frought with perils. Isha learns by difficult and threatening encounters with Collectors, Critics and even “Friends” that the way this world perceives her and all that she stands for is anything but “open”.This journey follows her from pursuing her studies at university to interning at the world’s biggest Auction House, then on to a job working in a large New York Gallery and finally to her most sought after destination, as an internationally acclaimed independent curator. All the while Isha meets the good, bad and the terribly ugly that make up the Art World. Though we learn much of herpersonal story, Isha: A Tell All Tale is also the tale of all young women’s constant need to balance their career ambitions, and the expectations of family and society to be good daughters, wives, and mothers.

Isha: A Tell All Tale is based on a concept developed by Meenakshi Thirukode and Peter Hopkins. Written by Meenakshi Thirukode, the story follows the strict narrative style of Indian soap operas, or “serials“ while developing at the same time, parallel meta- narratives that questions our perceptions of ‘reality’. The story will be told through myriad platforms that combine dream like fantasies with live performance, breaking the fragile boundaries that separate our “worlds” in this new digital universe. It also sees the debut of Em Tee who plays the role of Isha - the main protagonist who is loosely based on Ms. Thirukode’s own experiences as a writer and curator working in New York. The film's technical director is the talented young mexican filmmaker Armando Croda. Art work and Photography by artists Federico Massa and Stefano Ortega.

Produced by Peter Hopkins and The Bogart Salon the film is slated to open at the salon space, which is located in Bushwick, the fast growing art neighborhood that has seen the steady proliferation of galleries, alternative spaces, festivals and an overall creative energy that has made it the heart of the NYC art world.

How it will all take shape:

During the first weeks of June, sets from the film will be re-created and parts of the film will be shot live while footage from what's already been created will "air" for all to see. Viewers will be encouraged to play roles on set, after which they will speak to the camera about their own life experiences of working towards being recognized in the art world. These meta-narratives that essentially fragment the main soap-opera narrative will create a plethora of stories that resonate with the premise of this whole project. We plan to launch the linear soap opera narrative as a Web Series online. Meanwhile we are also developing a Transmedia platform to further the story telling experience and would involve an app and a web interface that allows for viewer created content.

Why we need your help!

Isha: A Tell-All Tale is as much a story about YOU as it is about one character based on the experience of one individual. Supporting this film with your generous contributions, would mean telling many stories through one - including YOURS. The great thing about raising funds through kickstarter is that it is a community oriented process. It involves giving us a little monetary support for which we give you some exciting goodies, experiences as other projects do but through Isha, we are taking it to a whole other level. Giving us a contribution would mean you get to tell YOUR story and become that fragment - the meta-narrative tale.

We need the funds for:

1. To support our crew - The writer, director, actors, DP and Graphic Designer - by paying them a minimum stipend ( remember this is a labour of love but we still have to pay those bills while we work hard! )

2. To help us hire support for the filming and lighting crew. We want to hire interns and would love to be able to give them a little something for the support they lend.

3. To rent equipment, specifically green screen and lights to film the meta-narratives.

4. To help us get a team who can develop the Transmedia platform for the project - this will include paying for App developers, web designers and interns.

5. Take care of production costs such as transport and food for cast and crew.

6. To pay for music - the title sequence score and for each episode.

Its about YOU and your story..more than you know it right now!

In return see how you will become a key part of the project. The level of your involvement and participation will vary depending on the amount you contribute but rest assured you will be more than just a funder. You will be the story!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $30 or more
About $30

Choice of 1 of 4 original high resolution, high quality 13" x 19" framable Bollywood posters by artist Stefano Ortega and Federico Massa designed exclusively for the production, and signed by the star of Isha - the indian actress Em Tee.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $120 or more
About $120

A complete set of 4 original posters signed and ready for framing as well as three 20 min episodes in Ipod ready M4V format.
Note:- Time of completion of Episode 1 - June 2012, Episode 2 - August 2012, and Episode 3 - expected completion September 2012.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $500 or more
About $500

Original theatrical poster for the release of Isha converted to a 40" x 60" billboard format, high resolution print on canvas that may be shipped un-stretched or pre-stretched for an additional $100. This is a limited edition of 10 signed by the artist Federico Massa.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $1,000 or more
About $1,000

Dinner for 2 along with the Co-Creators Peter Hopkins and Meenakshi Thirukode. The 2 guests will dine with Peter and Meenakshi at world famous Roberta's Restaurant in Bushwick. Dinner includes in-depth discussion of the concept and the making of the first ever Bollywood Soap Opera filmed in and for an art gallery, The Bogart Salon. Guests will also receive a mini tour of Bushwick and a signed original working script of the production.